Chancellor Juan Salgado has been named the recipient of the 2025 Liderazgo Visionario CEO Award by the National Community College Hispanic Council (NCCHC). The award recognizes executives whose leadership has brought significant benefits to their community colleges and Hispanic student populations.
The NCCHC highlighted Salgado’s work in promoting equity, access, and success for Latine students. Isaac Zuniga, executive vice president of academic and student success at Richland Community College, nominated Salgado for the honor. “Chancellor Salgado embodies visionary leadership rooted in justice, innovation, and a fierce commitment to student success,” Zuniga stated.
Salgado was recognized for supporting initiatives such as the Fresh Start student debt forgiveness program, Future Ready—which provides eligible Chicagoans with no-cost short-term programs—and the Chicago Roadmap partnership between City Colleges and Chicago Public Schools.
Other recipients of this year’s NCCHC awards include Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers Association; David Vela, trustee for the Los Angeles Community College District; and Susana Turowski, Title V retention specialist at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. The honorees will be celebrated at the NCCHC Leadership Symposium on September 26, 2025, in Long Beach, California.
“These award winners exemplify the innovative and compassionate leadership needed to advance equity and opportunity for Hispanic students in community colleges. Their contributions inspire us all to illuminate paths together, as reflected in this year’s symposium theme,” said NCCHC President and Long Beach City College President Dr. Mike Muñoz.
